IAM track-based skills days
Discussion
Has anyone done an IAM track-based skills day? What are they like?
Thanks. I tried searching ADUK for "IAM track", which came up with one result. Unfortunately the thread was 59 pages long! i.e. too long to wade through.
I just wanted to know feedback from anyone who's done an IAM track day. What was it like? How much instruction do you get? What sort of instructors/instruction? How much track time? What types of car/bike were there? Good fun? How much did you learn? Good value for money? Etc.
I just wanted to know feedback from anyone who's done an IAM track day. What was it like? How much instruction do you get? What sort of instructors/instruction? How much track time? What types of car/bike were there? Good fun? How much did you learn? Good value for money? Etc.
It's in the Advance Driving forum, about the seventh thread down right now entitled "IAM Skills day. Go to page two and read from oxtondrivers post. Should tell you all you want to know. If you still have questions please ask. As a starter here is a copy of a reply I made to a similar enquiry.
"As you probably know the skills days are sold as half-day sessions. It starts with registration and showing your documents at which point you get a couple of vouchers for coffee at the snack van, which is there all day. Then follows a short induction at which the rules of the track are explained, how to enter and leave, where you can overtake and what the various flags mean that you may see from time to time etc.
You are then paired with another participant and allocated an instructor then take it in turns to go on track for approximately 15 minute sessions. Some instructors may take both of you in the car, one driving their own car, the other observing, if all agree. Most, but not all, of the instructors are from a Police background. One was from HPC. You might get lucky and get a demo drive in a nice car but that is the exception rather than the rule.
What you learn depends on you, your experience and what you want from the day. Some want to simply improve their car control skills, e.g. smoothness, correct choice of gear, balance when cornering etc., others will want to experience what their car can really do. All are catered for.
This is more expensive than an open track day but IMO, much safer, due to the low density of vehicles on the track (sometimes it feels as if you are on your own) and the fact that everyone is accompanied by an instructor at all times. If you are an experience open track day type then this is probably not for you. If you are new to driving or relatively inexperienced or have a nice car and want to see what it can really do then it's a great day out and you get to meet lots of like-minded folks.
I'd certainly recommend it, I was at two this year and will be going back next year."
"As you probably know the skills days are sold as half-day sessions. It starts with registration and showing your documents at which point you get a couple of vouchers for coffee at the snack van, which is there all day. Then follows a short induction at which the rules of the track are explained, how to enter and leave, where you can overtake and what the various flags mean that you may see from time to time etc.
You are then paired with another participant and allocated an instructor then take it in turns to go on track for approximately 15 minute sessions. Some instructors may take both of you in the car, one driving their own car, the other observing, if all agree. Most, but not all, of the instructors are from a Police background. One was from HPC. You might get lucky and get a demo drive in a nice car but that is the exception rather than the rule.
What you learn depends on you, your experience and what you want from the day. Some want to simply improve their car control skills, e.g. smoothness, correct choice of gear, balance when cornering etc., others will want to experience what their car can really do. All are catered for.
This is more expensive than an open track day but IMO, much safer, due to the low density of vehicles on the track (sometimes it feels as if you are on your own) and the fact that everyone is accompanied by an instructor at all times. If you are an experience open track day type then this is probably not for you. If you are new to driving or relatively inexperienced or have a nice car and want to see what it can really do then it's a great day out and you get to meet lots of like-minded folks.
I'd certainly recommend it, I was at two this year and will be going back next year."
Many thanks for the info and directing me to the relevant thread.
It looks like the IAM track skills day comes well recommended.
It appears that you don't have to be an IAM member to do the day too. (Booking is in the section for non-members.) it could be a great Christmas present!
It looks like the IAM track skills day comes well recommended.
It appears that you don't have to be an IAM member to do the day too. (Booking is in the section for non-members.) it could be a great Christmas present!
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